VLADIMIR SMICER will hand Liverpool a major fitness boost when he makes his comeback in the Reserves game tonight.

Smicer will play against Manchester United Reserves at Bury, pushing his claims for a possible first- team return next week.

The Czech midfielder hasn't played since preseason because of an Achilles tendon injury.

Manager Gerard Houllier will welcome Smicer's return to action.

Houllier said today: "We have missed Vladi. He can bring a bit of a spark of creativity to the team."

If Smicer comes through unscathed he could be in contention to join the squad in Dortmund next Wednesday or for the game against Spurs at Anfield the following Saturday.

Youngster Gregory Vignal is hoping to keep his place at left-back at Goodison Park on Saturday after impressing against Boavista.

Houllier says the teenager has shown he has the potential to shine at the highest level.

He said: "Gregory is only 19 and he has a big future. He has shown he is not afraid to play no matter what the occasion but he must not be too hasty or hurried in his ambitions. He still has a lot to prove in his game but at the moment he is doing okay."

Meanwhile, Houllier has rejected claims that Liverpool would ever resort to the kind of diving or cheating tactics employed by the Portuguese at Anfield on Tuesday.

"I would never encourage it in my players. I have watched the game again on video and obviously weren't happy with the kind of things that were going on," said Houllier. "The Boavista game was good in the sense after two defeats we have at least managed to draw. Now we have to get back to winning ways but we know how tough it would be on Saturday."